Emergency War Surgery, NATO Handbook.

This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables. Abstract This monograph on emergency war surgery very admirably fulfills the goal implied in its title. The general principles of various phases of emergency care of war injuries are outlined and very concisely discussed from a present-day point of view. The principles of mass casualties, the management of burns, shock and resuscitation, control of bleeding, and the management of bone and chest injuries are nicely reviewed. The short section on the emergency management of injuries of the eye covers important principles of first-aid care of ocular injuries. Inexperienced persons are cautioned against manipulations of an injured eye. When penetrating injuries are suspected, litter evacuation is recommended. General surgeons are advised against removal of an eye unless (1) the globe is completely disorganized or (2) its removal is necessary as part of the general management of an extensive wound of the face. One might question the advisability of the first indication because